Prairie Wind Middle School eighth grade teacher Hans Hanson has been named the Perham Education Association Teacher of the Year for 2023-24. “It is exciting. You see other teachers get it and you feel for them,” Hanson said. “It is really a nice honor to be nominated by your peers. I was excited.” Hanson was nominated and selected by his professional peers based on his 30-year career as an educator in Perham, according to PEA’s Ryan Hendrickson. “Hans combines a strong work ethic with an old school understanding that technology should not replace instruction,” Hendrickson said. “Hans exhibits the ability to meet his students where they are academically, while making learning enjoyable and fun.” To be selected and named PEA Teacher of the Year, a peer must nominate one of their coworkers for the award. Hanson said one of the most rewarding parts of it is knowing he was nominated by a fellow instructor. Hanson has taught in Perham for 30 years, focusing on seventh and eighth grade math and said he has really enjoyed working for the Perham-Dent School District. Hanson has excelled out of the classroom as well, leading the Perham Baseball program for 19 years and the girls basketball team for four years as varsity head coach. He also has helped at a variety of various levels with both programs. “Hanson epitomizes the traits and qualities of being a great representative of the great instructors at ISD 549,” Hendrickson said. “We thank Hans for his dedication and commitment to the students of ISD 549